Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Jen here! I’m writing today to give Jason a rest!

Jason and I had our first full night with Addison last night. She did such a super job sleeping. I hope all of her nights she can sleep so peaceful. She went to sleep at 7:30, woke up about 1:00 for a bottle and then went right back to sleep until 6:00 this morning. (Jason here: checking for spelling and grammar errors but I’m not always the best with that as you can tell from the previous posts! And I wanted to add something: Jen is amazing mother! She is honestly a natural! Last night after Addison took her bottle she was a little fussy and wouldn’t relax enough to fall back to sleep in my arms, and without saying a word, Jen took Addison, said a few words to her and swayed her in her arms ever so slightly that Addison feel fast asleep! It was just the way it was meant to be!)

Thinking back to yesterday…I think that Jason and I were in shock over what just happened, and didn’t know how to put our feelings into words. Our first glimpse of Addison was absolutely breathtaking. She was brought into a large room by the director of the welfare institution, and looked so peaceful. Addison’s name was finally called along with our last name. It was our time to receive our daughter. With all of the other families looking on – some with their daughter’s already – it was a breathtaking moment. Addison came right to us, and didn’t seem to look back to the nannies. Jason and I were actually looking at our daughter’s tiny face, and big brown eyes for the first time.

After receiving Addison we took the bus back to the hotel. Jason and I looked at each other and said, “OK what do we do now?” We both just went with what felt natural, and we made it through the night!

Today we meet with the director of the welfare institution. We signed some papers, gave our thumb print many times, Addison had to give her footprint too, after all that Addison is officially ours in the Chinese government’s eyes. We were able to meet and attempt to talk with Addison’s nannies. They all were very wonderful women who seemed to care very deeply for all of the girls. I feel our prayers of Addison being cared for, having the basics of food and warmth, (living here she sure was warm!) and someone to talk to her and touch her were defiantly met by these ladies.

One of the questions asked by the group to the director was “What do you want our daughters to know about their native land?” The director’s response was “I want them to know where they came from, and what it is like here. I want them to come back and visit someday.” Thinking about this answer I wonder if in her small mind and body if there is some sense of sadness or loss. Does Addison really know what just happened to her? Does she understand that we are now her parents?

Many times throughout today (Tuesday) Jason and I have said that she matches our personality as a couple to a tee. She just fits with us! She was our daughter from the moment we laid eyes on her. The person who matched us with Addison made a perfect choice, we truly feel that God was at work helping make this decision! I really believe that the people in the matching room have a special gift, they know what they are doing! All of Addison’s sisters have also found families that are completely perfect for them.

After this ceremony we all went to Wal-mart to pick up some necessities. It was suggested that we not drink tap water, so we bought a lot of bottled water, along with some sodas, an umbrella (it is so sunny and hot here – the umbrella helps a lot!), Snickers and a Wal-mart reusable “green” bag. You know, the necessities! We also had a McDonald’s ice cream cone, and I even shared with Jason. In the background in this mall type area the song “We are Family” by the Pointer Sisters was playing in English, how appropriate! We are Family!

We are in our room now for a little quiet time. Addison quickly downed a bottle and some chicken congee. She thinks this congee stuff is great! Jason would test every bite before he gave it to her. She was watching him very closely so he wouldn’t take too much. It was quite cute to watch. The rest of the day is free for us. Addison needs to take a nap and then we will have the night to explore a little more of Nanning. I’m not too sure we will venture too far, maybe to the restaurant down the street.